QORMI-3, MARSAXLOKK-1
Qormi made a quick return to winning ways as they beat Marsaxlokk 3-1 in today's opening BOV Premier League match at the National Stadium.
It was a deserved victory for Qormi who relied on the speed of their foreign forwards to open up Marsaxlokk with a series of dangerous counter-attacks.
Qormi missed a good chance to go ahead after only 20 seconds. Jorge Pereira Da Silva's run surprised the Marsaxlokk defenders as the Brazilian sped into the box before passing to the unmarked Daniel Nwoke who hit wide.
Joseph Farrugia went close with a free-kick that ended just wide but it was not long before Qormi took the lead, Jorge heading the ball home from debutant Federico Mirarchi's cross after six minutes.
Another swerving free-kick by Farrugia sailed past the far post as Qormi remained the better side.
Marsaxlokk were all over the place in the opening stages. Their first shot at goal came in 19 minutes but Sunday Eboh's effort was easily saved by Matthew Farrugia. The Qormi goalkeeper then effected a fine save to push Obinna Obiefule's rising shot over the bar.
The Blues were now showing signs of improvement but it was Qormi who scored again two minutes past the half-hour. They were awarded a penalty after Malcolm Licari floored Jorge inside the box and Farrugia converted from the spot to put Qormi 2-0 up.
Qormi would have made it 3-0 nine minutes into the second half but for a good save from Gauci who touched away Abubakar Bello Osagie's drive.
Daniel Nwoke, who had been erratic so far, nodded wide from Matthew Bartolo's corner. The Nigerian missed an even better chance to get his name on scoresheet, skewing his shot wide after being released by Bello Osagie.
Marsaxlokk would have reduced the arrears but for a goalline clearance by Roderick Sammut from Emiliano Lattes's chip.
With 14 minutes left, Qormi made the points safe thanks to Jonathan Bondin who beat Gauci with a low shot after the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper had partially saved Joseph Chetcuti's effort.
At the other end, Jeffrey Chetcuti almost committed an own goal as he tried to clear substitute Gary Caruana's shot but Qormi goalkeeper Farrugia pushed the ball away.
Marsaxlokk finished with ten men as Clive Brincat was sent off after earning his second yellow card for a late challenge on Farrugia in a corner action.
In stoppage time, Marsaxlokk scored a consolation goal, Deanov lobbing the ball over the on-rushing Farrugia.
Qormi forward Jorge was named BOV player of the match.